2014 Infiniti Q50
About the 2014 Infiniti Q50:
This car began its gestation as a replacement for the Infiniti G37 Sedan, the automaker’s most popular and important model. However, a new corporate naming convention and a changing competitive landscape make the new Q50 Sedan a step up from the G37, which Infiniti has decided to continue selling at a lower price and with less content.
Model Lineup:
Infiniti offers the Q50 in 3.7 and Hybrid model series. The Q50 Hybrid is discussed in a separate summary.
Within the Infiniti Q50 3.7 lineup, the car comes with a standard level of equipment that can be upgraded with Premium or S trim levels. Equipment upgrades for the Q50 3.7 Premium include heated front seats, a power sunroof, and a better sound system.
The Q50S 3.7 is the sport-tuned model, and it comes with a performance suspension, upgraded brakes, transmission paddle shifters, and 19-inch aluminum wheels. Subtle front styling revisions identify the Q50S from the outside, while the cabin includes sport-bolstered front seats.
Optional Equipment:
Depending on the trim level selected, Infiniti offers numerous options for the new Q50, including leather seats, a navigation system, a power sunroof, upgraded aluminum wheel designs, interior and exterior lighting features, and cargo management accessories.
A Deluxe Touring Package is optional with Premium or S trim levels, adding wood interior trim, a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, memory for the driver’s settings, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, and rain-sensing wipers. This package also contains front and rear sonar sensors, an Around View monitoring system, and Moving Object Detection technology. Infiniti’s new Direct Adaptive Steering is also a part of this package, an electric steering system without a physical connection between the steering wheel and the car’s steering rack.
In addition to these features, a Technology Package is also offered for the Q50. Details are discussed below.
Engines and Transmissions:
While it is true that the Q50 is new, the 3.7 model contains a familiar powertrain. Under the hood, 3.7-liter V-6 engine cranks out 328 horsepower, which is fed to the car’s rear wheels by a 7-speed automatic transmission with a Sport driving mode and a Downshift Rev Matching feature. All-wheel drive is optional.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
According to the EPA, the Q50 3.7 gets 23 mpg in combined driving. Choose the optional AWD system, and that number drops to 22 mpg.
Safety Ratings:
As this summary of the new Q50 is written, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had performed crash tests on the 2014 Q50.
Technology Highlights:
The Infiniti Q50 represents a next step toward a future of autonomous cars that can drive themselves. In addition to its optional Direct Adaptive Steering and front and rear sonar systems, it can be equipped with a Technology Package containing a full-speed-range adaptive cruise control system, Distance Control Assist, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Prevention with Active Lane Control, Blind Spot Intervention, Backup Collision Intervention, and High Beam Assist headlights.
